Switching power converter and controller for a switching power converter

ABSTRACT

A switching power supply comprises a power converter having a transformer, a low side switch configured to draw current from a supply voltage through a primary winding of the transformer and a high side switch configured to couple the primary winding of the transformer to a snubber capacitor. A controller is configured to synchronously control the opening and closing of the low side switch to form a regulated output voltage. A first voltage is generated at a node between the low side switch and the high side switch. The controller is further configured to open the high side switch during each switching cycle when the first voltage reaches a determined level. The determined level is higher than the supply voltage by an amount that is adjusted dependent on a monitored level of the supply voltage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of switching power converters. More particularly, the present invention relates to a switching power converter and a controller for a switching power converter.

An off-line switching power supply receives power from an alternating-current (AC) power source and provides a voltage-regulated, direct-current (DC) output that can be used to power a load. An exemplary off-line power supply includes a power factor correction (PFC) stage and a DC-to-DC power converter stage. The PFC stage receives the AC input signal, performs rectification and maintains current drawn from the AC source substantially in phase with the AC voltage so that the power supply appears as a resistive load to the AC source. The DC-to-DC converter stage receives the rectified output of the PFC stage and generates the voltage-regulated, DC output that can be used to power the load. A voltage rectifier, such as a full-bridge rectifier, and a smoothing capacitor can be used in place of the PFC stage, in which case, the DC-to-DC stage can receive a rectified voltage from the voltage rectifier as its input. In either case, the input to the DC-to-DC stage is typically at higher voltage and is more loosely regulated than the output of the DC-to-DC stage.

A flyback power converter (or, more simply, a flyback converter) can be employed in a DC-to-DC power converter. A flyback converter employs a transformer that transfers energy from the input of the flyback converter to its output and provides electrical isolation between the input and output of the flyback converter. An input voltage, such as the rectified output voltage of a PFC stage, is applied across the transformer primary winding by closing a switch; as a result, a primary winding current flows and magnetic flux in the transformer increases, storing energy in the transformer. When the switch is opened, the voltage is removed and the primary winding current falls while magnetic flux drops. As a result, a current is induced in a secondary winding of the transformer. This induced current charges an output capacitor to generate an output voltage for powering a load.

Switching power supplies can be subjected to a variety of input voltage and loading conditions. It is important for such power supplies to operate efficiently so as to minimize power usage. Therefore, what are needed are improved techniques for a switching power supply that accommodate different operating conditions and that achieve efficient operation. What are further needed are such techniques for a switching power supply that employs a flyback power converter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment, a switching power supply comprises a power converter having a transformer, a low side switch configured to draw current from a supply voltage through a primary winding of the transformer and a high side switch configured to couple the primary winding of the transformer to a snubber capacitor. A controller is configured to synchronously control the opening and closing of the low side switch and the high side switch, wherein the low side switch and the high side switch are each repeatedly opened and closed in a series of switching cycles so as to form a regulated output voltage. A first voltage is generated at a node between the low side switch and the high side switch. The controller is further configured to open the high side switch during each switching cycle when the first voltage reaches a determined level. The determined level is higher than the supply voltage by an amount that is adjusted dependent on a monitored level of the supply voltage.

These and other embodiments are disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described with respect to particular exemplary embodiments thereof and reference is accordingly made to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block schematic diagram of a two-stage, off-line power supply in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a flyback converter suitable for use in a DC-to-DC converter in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a voltage waveform for a flyback converter in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a voltage waveform for a flyback converter in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a flyback converter and control circuitry in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates control circuitry for a flyback converter in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates additional control circuitry for a flyback converter in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a differential signal converter for use in control circuitry for a flyback converter in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward a power converter and controller for a switching power supply and manner of operation thereof. The converter can be, for example, a flyback power converter employed in an offline switching power supply. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the power converter employs two synchronously-operated transistor switches on the transformer primary side. A first of the transistor switches couples the transformer primary winding to a ground node and is referred to herein as the “low side” switch. A second of the two transistor switches couples the transformer primary winding to an input supply voltage via a snubber capacitor and is referred to herein as the “high side” switch. Switching is controlled in a feedback loop to generate a regulated DC output voltage at the transformer secondary side. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a time instant of opening the high side switch within each switching cycle is adjusted according to a level of the input supply voltage.

In accordance with a further embodiment, a controller for a switching power supply is provided. The controller is configured to control a power converter having a transformer, a low side switch and a high side switch. The low side switch draws current from an input supply voltage through a primary winding of the transformer. The high side switch discharges current from the primary winding of the transformer to a snubber capacitor. The controller synchronously controls the opening and closing of the low side switch and the high side switch to generate a regulated output voltage. The controller is further configured to adjust a time instant of opening the high side switch within each switching cycle according to a level of the input supply voltage.

Embodiments of the present invention can be employed in power converter systems and methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,716,437 and 10,103,637, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The term “continuous conduction mode” or “CCM” means that current in the primary winding of the transformer of a power converter flows continuously throughout successive switching cycles. The term “discontinuous conduction mode” or “DCM” means that the current in the primary winding of the transformer is allowed to fall to zero for a period of time (i.e. “dead” time) during each switching cycle. The term “critical conduction mode” or “CRM” refers to operation at or near the boundary between CCM and DCM operating modes. In other words, during CRM, the current in the primary winding to allowed to fall to zero just before the current rises again.

Operation in CRM is useful during high loading conditions in order to achieve high efficiency. When loading is reduced, however, the level of current in the primary winding that is required to maintain a regulated output voltage is also reduced. As a result, operation at lower loading levels tends to revert to DCM. The level of the input voltage can also affect operation. For example, when the input voltage is higher, the “dead” time duration in DCM tends to increase, whereas, when the input voltage is lower, the “dead” time duration in DCM tends to decrease. Input voltage levels can vary based on the level of the AC line voltage. For example, different countries have adopted different AC line voltage levels as their respective standards. Loading can also affect the input voltage level; for example, increased current draw from an AC source can reduce its voltage level.

Due in part to the “dead” time, operation in DCM tends to be less efficient than other modes of operation. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a time instant of opening the high side switch is adjusted within each switching cycle according to a level of the input supply voltage. More particularly, when the input voltage is reduced, the high side switch can be opened earlier in the switching cycle than otherwise would be the case. Conversely, when the input voltage is increased, the high side switch can be opened later in the switching cycle than otherwise would be the case. As a result, the “dead” time duration within a switching cycle is reduced. This tends to increase efficiency.

In an embodiment, the time instant of opening the high side switch is adjusted continuously based on a monitored level of the input voltage. The input voltage level can be monitored, for example, by sampling the input voltage at an appropriate time during each switching cycle. For example, the input voltage can be sampled a predetermined delay after the high side switch is opened during each switching cycle. The level of the input voltage can fluctuate during switching cycles. By sampling the input voltage at the same instant during each switching cycle, sampling error caused by these fluctuations is reduced.

The increase in efficiency obtained by opening the high side earlier in the switching cycle when the input voltage is lower tends to be more pronounced at higher loading conditions. Therefore, in accordance with further embodiment of the present invention, the above-described adjusting of the time instant of opening the high side switch can be disabled when loading conditions are light. This can be accomplished, for example, by monitoring an output voltage of the power converter. When the output voltage falls below a threshold, this indicates a light loading condition, and the adjusting of the time instant of opening the high side switch can be disabled. When the output voltage rises above the threshold, this indicates that the light loading condition has ended, and the adjusting of the time instant of opening the high side switch can be enabled.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block schematic diagram of a two-stage, off-line power supply 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1 , a first stage 102 has an input coupled to alternating-current (AC) source. The first stage 102 performs rectification on the AC input signal. The first stage 102 can also perform power factor correction (PFC), in which case, the first stage 102 also maintains current drawn from the AC source substantially in phase with the AC voltage so that the power supply 100 appears as a resistive load to the AC source.

The first stage 102 generates a loosely regulated voltage, V_(DC), which is provided as input to a DC-to-DC converter 104. Using the input supply voltage V_(DC), the DC-to-DC converter stage 104 generates a voltage-regulated, DC output, V_(O), which can be used to power a load. The level of V_(DC) is preferably at a higher voltage and is more loosely regulated than the output V_(O) of the DC-to-DC converter stage 104. The nominal level of the output, V_(DC), of the first stage 102 may be, for example, approximately 380 volts DC, while the voltage-regulated output V_(O) of the DC-to-DC converter stage 104 may be, for example, approximately 15.0 volts DC.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flyback converter 150 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The flyback converter 150 is suitable for use in a DC-to-DC converter of a switching power supply, such as the DC-to-DC converter 104 of FIG. 1 . The flyback converter 150 receives an input voltage from source V_(IN) that can be a rectifier output or PFC stage output, V_(Dc), or that can be received from some other source, such as an electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the input voltage source V_(IN) is coupled to a first terminal of a capacitor C_(SN) and to a first terminal of a primary winding of a transformer T₁. The capacitor C_(SN) functions as a snubber capacitor. A voltage V_(CSN) having polarity as shown in FIG. 2 is formed across the capacitor C_(SN). A second terminal of the primary winding of the transformer T₁ is coupled to a first terminal of a switch SW₁ (“low side” switch) and to a first terminal of a switch SW₂ (“high side” switch). A voltage

is formed at a node between the low side switch SW₁ and the high side switch SW₂ and at the second terminal of the primary winding of the transformer T₁. A second terminal of the switch SW₁ is coupled to a first ground node. A second terminal of the switch SW₂ is coupled to a second terminal of the capacitor C_(SN). The switch SW₁ is controlled by a signal LOWOUT while the switch SW₂ is controlled by a signal HIGHOUT.

The low side switch SW₁ and the high side switch SW₂ are each preferably implemented by a corresponding power MOSFET. Thus, a body diode is shown associated with each of switches SW₁ and SW₂.

A first terminal of a secondary winding of the transformer T₁ is coupled to an anode of a Zener diode D₁. A cathode of the diode D₁ is coupled to a first terminal of a capacitor C₁. A second terminal of the secondary winding of the transformer T1 is coupled to a second terminal of the capacitor C₁ and to a second ground node. The first and second ground nodes are preferably electrically isolated from each other.

The flyback converter 150 is operated by opening and closing the switches SW₁ and SW₂. The transformer T₁ transfers energy from the input of the flyback converter 150 to its output and provides isolation between the input and output of the flyback converter 150. In operation, when the switch SW₁ is closed (the switch is turned “ON”), voltage source V_(IN) is applied across the primary winding of the transformer T₁. As a result, a current in the primary winding and a magnetic flux in the transformer T₁ increases, which stores energy in the transformer T₁. When the switch SW₁ is then opened (the switch is turned “OFF”), the current in the primary winding and the magnetic flux drops. As a result, a current is induced in the secondary winding of the transformer T₁ that charges the capacitor C₁ with energy to generate an output voltage V_(O) for powering a load.

The level of power transferred to the load can be controlled by adjusting the switching duty cycle of the switch SW₁ (e.g., by controlling peak input current), the switching frequency of the switch SW₁, or both. Controlling the duty cycle is referred herein to as peak current control, whereas, controlling the switching frequency is referred to herein as frequency control.

When the switch SW₁ is opened and the switch SW₂ is in the closed position (the switch SW₂ is “ON”), the current in the primary winding of the transformer T₁ can pass through the switch SW₂ to the snubber capacitor C_(SN). Alternatively, when the switch SW₁ is opened and the switch SW₂ is in the open position (the switch SW₂ is “OFF”), the current in the primary winding of the transformer T₁ can pass through the body diode of the switch SW₂ to the snubber capacitor C_(SN).

The high side switch SW₂ is preferably controlled such that it is open (OFF) when the low side switch SW₁ is closed (ON). Then, when the switch SW₁ is opened (OFF) and the energy from the transformer T₁ has been largely discharged to the output capacitor C₁, the voltage

will be equal to V_(CSN). Under these conditions, the switch SW₂ is briefly closed (ON). The switch SW₂ can, therefore, be operated under zero volt switching (ZVS) conditions. Closing the switch SW₂ discharges the level of

to that of V_(IN). Then, once

is substantially equal to V_(IN), the switch SW₂ can be opened (OFF). The voltage

continues to fall after the switch SW₂ is opened, such that when the switch SW₁ is closed, the voltage across it is zero or nearly zero. Thus, the switch SW₁ can also be operated under zero volt switching (ZVS) conditions. The cycle then repeats.

To summarize, during a switching cycle, the low side switch SW₁ is turned off; then the high side switch SW₂ is turned on and then off immediately before the low side switch SW₁ is turned on. The cycle is then repeated (i.e. SW₁—off, SW₂—on, SW₂—off, SW₁—on, SW₁—off, . . . ). The high side switch SW₂ is thus turned on then off once before each low side switch SW₁ turn on. Also, the high side switch SW₂ is turned on then off once for each cycle of the low side switch SW₁ (while the low side switch SW₁ is off). In other words, each switch is turned on and then off while the other switch is off.

In an embodiment, both switches SW₁ and SW₂ are operated under ZVS, regardless of load. Thus, they can both be operated under ZVS from no load to full load. In other embodiments, the switches SW₁ and SW₂ are not operated under ZVS or are operated partially under ZVS. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the high side switch SW₂ is opened at a time instant that depends upon the level of VIN. In this circumstance, the switch SW₂ may be opened under non-ZVS conditions because it is opened before the level of

is equal to V_(IN).

The flyback converter 150 has a resonant switching frequency. The resonant frequency is dependent upon physical characteristics of the flyback converter 150, including the inductance value of the transformer T₁ primary winding and parasitic capacitance of the switches SW₁ and SW₂. When the switch SW₂ is closed, this introduces the capacitance of the snubber capacitor C_(SN) and therefore effectively changes the resonant frequency of the flyback converter 150 while the switch SW₂ is closed.

The diode D₁ coupled to the transformer T₁ secondary winding operates as a freewheeling diode, allowing current in the secondary winding of the transformer T₁ to charge the capacitor C₁, and preventing discharge of the capacitor C₁ through the transformer T₁. The diode D₁ can be replaced with a switch that is operated synchronously with the switches SW₁ and SW₂ (synchronous rectification).

FIG. 3 shows a voltage waveform illustrating quasi-resonant operation of a flyback converter in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The waveform represents the level of

for two switching cycles. As shown in FIG. 3 , the switch SW₁ is initially closed (ON) at time t₀ so that the level of

is essentially zero volts. This causes current to flow in the primary winding of the transformer T₁ which charges the primary winding of the transformer T₁ with energy. The switch SW₁ is then opened (OFF) at time t₁. As a result, the level of

rapidly rises to a level above that of V_(IN). Current then passes through the body diode of the switch SW₂ while energy from the transformer T₁ induces a current in the secondary winding of the transformer T₁ which charges the output capacitor C₁. Then, when the voltage

is equal to V_(CSN), or nearly equal to V_(CSN), the switch SW₂ is briefly closed (ON) at time t₂. This discharges the level of

towards that of V_(IN). Then at time t₃ the switch SW₂ is opened (OFF). And at time t₄ the switch SW₁ is closed (ON). This causes the level of

to fall to zero volts while a current again flows in the primary winding of the transformer T₁ and the switching cycle repeats.

Because the voltage

is preferably equal to or nearly equal to V_(CSN) when the switch SW₂ is closed, the switch SW₂ is can be closed under zero volt switching (ZVS) conditions. By controlling the high side switch SW₂ synchronously with ZVS, this provides for more efficient operation, for example, by avoiding losses caused by non-ZVS switching, and allows for operation at higher switching frequencies than otherwise which also tends to increase efficiency of the flyback converter.

The waveform shown in FIG. 3 assumes that the switch SW₂ is closed (ON) as soon as the voltage

first becomes equal to V_(CSN), or nearly equal to V_(CSN). This is referred to herein as “quasi-resonant” or “first hill” switching. If the closing of the switch SW₂ is delayed, the voltage

will tend to oscillate. Zero volt switching can be maintained under these conditions if the switch SW₂ is closed at a time when

is equal to or nearly equal to V_(CSN) during oscillation of the voltage

. This is referred to herein as “valley switching” and is shown in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 4 shows a voltage waveform illustrating valley switching operation of a flyback converter in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The waveform of the voltage

shown in FIG. 4 is equivalent to that shown in FIG. 3 except that the voltage

oscillates prior to closing of the switch SW₂. FIG. 4 shows two oscillations occurring prior to the closing of switch SW₂ at time t₂. It will be apparent that greater or fewer oscillations can occur while maintaining zero volt switching so long as the switch SW₂ is closed at a time when

is equal to or nearly equal to V_(CSN).

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the high side switch SW₂ is closed at the time t₂ and opened at the time t₃. Therefore, the switch SW₂ remains closed during the time period between t₂ and t₃. The duration of the time period t₂-t₃ illustrated in FIG. 3 can represent the highest expected level of V_(IN), for example, 380 volts DC. However, as explained herein, this time period can be adjusted based on the level of V_(IN). For example, when V_(IN) is lower than 380 volts DC (e.g., 240 volts DC), then the switch SW₂ can be opened sooner in the switching cycle thereby moving the time t₃ closer to t₂ and shortening the duration of the time period between t₂ and t₃.

The switch SW₂ is preferably closed under ZVS. The switch SW₂ may also be opened under ZVS. In the example above, the switch SW₂ is opened under ZVS when the supply voltage V_(IN) is 380 volts DC, however, the switch SW₂ may be opened under non-ZVS conditions when the supply voltage V_(IN) is lower and the time t3 occurs sooner in the switching cycle. Doing so helps to improve efficiency by squeezing more energy from the snubber capacitor C_(SN) (FIG. 2 ) under such conditions. The amount by which the time period t₂-t₃ is shortened is preferably proportional to the change in the level of V_(IN).

The flyback converter 150 can selectively operate in accordance with quasi-resonant switching (as in FIG. 3 ) or valley switching (as in FIG. 4 ), depending upon conditions such as switching frequency, loading conditions, component values, and so forth, in order to regulate the output voltage.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flyback converter 150 and control circuitry in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The flyback converter 150 of FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. 5 along with control circuitry and a second output stage. In particular, a “low driver” controller 152 generates a signal LOWOUT that controls (opens and closes) the switch SW₁. The low driver controller 152 can control the switch SW₁ using frequency control and/or peak current control in a feedback loop so as to regulate the output voltage V_(O). A “high driver” controller 154 generates a signal HIGHOUT that controls (opens and closes) the switch SW₂. The flyback converter 150 and control circuitry of FIG. 5 are preferably configured to control the high side switch SW₂ and the low side switch SW₁ in accordance with the waveforms of FIGS. 3 and 4 and preferably configured adjust the instant of opening the high side switch SW₂ (i.e. the time t₃ as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 ) based on the monitored level of V_(IN), as described herein.

As shown in FIG. 5 , a resistive divider and photo-couple network 156 is coupled to the flyback converter 150 output and includes resistors R₁, R₂, and R₃, capacitor C₂, photo-diode P_(1A), and shunt regulator U₁. The photo-diode P_(1A) is optically coupled to phototransistor P_(1B). The phototransistor P_(1B) is coupled to a compensation resistor R₄ and capacitor C₃. A voltage signal V_(EAO) is generated across the compensation resistor R₄ and capacitor C₃. The signal V_(EAO) is representative of an error signal (a difference between the level of V_(O) and a desired level for V_(O)) and is also representative of a level of input power to the flyback converter 150. The signal V_(EAO) is electrically isolated from the output voltage V_(O) and is instead referenced to the ground level of the primary side of the transformer T₁.

The transformer T₁ can include a second secondary winding. As shown in FIG. 5 , a first terminal of the second secondary winding of the transformer T₁ is coupled to an anode of a diode D₂. A cathode of the diode D₂ is coupled to a first terminal of a capacitor C₄. A second terminal of the second secondary winding of the transformer T₁ is coupled to a second terminal of the capacitor C₄ and to the first ground node. A voltage V_(CC) is formed across the capacitor C₄ and can be used for powering control circuitry of the flyback converter 150. A resistive divider includes resistors R₅ and R₆ and generates a voltage signal ZCD that is representative of the level of V_(CC). The signal ZCD is also representative of the level of

.

As also shown in FIG. 5 , a current sensing resistor R_(SENSE) is coupled between the second terminal of the transistor switch SW₁ and the first ground node. A current sensing signal I_(SENSE) is formed across the resistor R_(SENSE).

The low driver controller 152 receives as inputs the signals ZCD, I_(SENSE), V_(EAO) as well as an oscillator signal OSC and uses these signals to generate the signal LOWOUT for controlling the transistor switch SW₁ as explained herein. The signal V_(EAO) represents the load power and is used to regulate the output voltage in a feedback loop based on either peak current control or switching frequency control. The signal I_(SENSE) represents the current in the transformer T₁ and is used to the control peak current in the transformer primary winding during switching. The oscillator signal OSC is used for controlling the timing of switching. The signal ZCD is representative of the level of

and is used to turn on the switch SW₁.

The low driver controller 152 generates a differential signal READYHIGHON which is used by the high driver controller 154 for controlling the transistor switch SW₂ as explained herein. The signal READYHIGHON informs the high driver controller 154 that it can (i.e. has permission to) turn on the switch SW₂, though the high driver controller 154 determines the timing of turning on the switch SW₂. The signal READYHIGHON is preferably a differential signal because the low driver controller 152 and the high driver controller 154 have different ground reference nodes. In particular, the low driver controller 152 is referenced to the first ground node, whereas, the high driver controller 154 preferably uses the voltage

as its reference.

As also shown in FIG. 5 , a first terminal of a first high-voltage resistor R_(HV1) is coupled to the second terminal of the capacitor C_(SN). A second terminal of the resistor R_(HV1) is coupled to the high driver controller 154. This provides the high driver controller 154 with a signal CS that is representative of the voltage V_(CSN). A first terminal of a second high-voltage resistor R_(HV2) is coupled to the input voltage V_(IN). A second terminal of the resistor R_(HV2) is coupled to the high driver controller 154. A capacitor C_(RVIN) is preferably coupled in parallel with the resistor R_(HV2). This provides the high driver controller 154 with a signal R_(VIN) that is representative of the voltage V_(IN). The capacitor C_(RVIN) helps in smoothing the signal R_(VIN) particularly at light loads. The voltage

signal is also coupled to the high driver controller 154. The high driver controller 154 uses the signals R_(VIN), CS,

, and READYHIGHOUT to generate the signal HIGHOUT that controls (opens and closes) the switch SW₂ as explained herein. Briefly, when

is greater than V_(IN) and CS is substantially equal to

, the high driver controller 154 turns on the switch SW₂. The switch SW₂ generally stays on until

is substantially equal to V_(IN) and then the switch SW₂ is turned off though, as explained herein, the time instant at which the switch SW2 is turned off can also be dependent upon the level of the input voltage V_(IN).

Also shown in FIG. 5 , the voltage V_(CC) can be used as a power supply for powering elements of the low driver controller 152. A voltage V_(BOOT) can be used as a power supply for powering elements of the high driver controller 154. The voltage V_(BOOT) can be obtained by drawing current from V_(CC), for example, via a diode which then charges a capacitor C_(VBOOT). The voltage V_(BOOT) can also be used to indicate a level of loading of the power converter 150 as explained herein.

A switching cycle is performed as follows. The low side switch SW₁ is turned on. Then, once the peak current in the primary winding of the transformer T₁ is reached, as indicated by the current sensing signal I_(SENSE), the low side switch SW₁ is turned off. The peak current depends on the level of V_(EAO): (1) when V_(EAO) is less than a threshold (e.g. 2.5 volts), then the flyback converter is in frequency control mode and the peak current is essentially a fixed value (though the peak current is preferably gradually reduced as VEAO falls in order to increase efficiency and inhibit audible noise in burst mode); (2) when V_(EAO) is greater than the threshold (e.g. 2.5 volts), then the flyback converter is in current control mode and the peak current depends on V_(EAO) (and the switching frequency is clamped). Once the low side switch SW₁ turns off, the voltage

flys up, eventually reaching a level above the input voltage V_(IN). The low side driver 152 then activates sending the READYHIGHON signal to the high side driver 154. The READYHIGHON signal is activated at a time that depends upon the switching frequency. After receiving the READYHIGHON signal, the high side driver 154 determines that

is greater than V_(IN) by an appropriate margin and, in response to this determination, the high side driver 154 turns on the high side switch SW₂. The high side switch SW₂ remains on until the level of

falls to the level of V_(IN), at which time, high side driver 154 turns off the high side switch SW₂. The time instant at which the high side driver 154 turns off the high side switch SW₂ can also be adjusted according to a level of V_(IN) as explained herein. More particularly, the high side switch SW₂ can be opened before

falls to the level of V_(IN) by an amount that depends on the level of V_(IN). When the level of

falls to zero, the low side switch SW₁ can be turned on again.

The waveforms of FIGS. 3 and 4 apply equally to the current control and frequency control modes, though the time scale will change, dependent upon the mode of operation.

FIG. 6 illustrates control circuitry of the high driver 154 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A signal R_(VIN), which represents the input supply voltage V_(IN), is compared by a comparator 158 to a pair of reference currents I₁ and I₂ which are generated by current sources 160 and 162, respectively. The current sources 160 and 162 are coupled to

as a reference voltage. In an embodiment, the current I₁ is set to 2 μA (2 microamps) while the current I₂ is set to 60 μA (60 microamps). The signals at the input of the comparator 158 may additionally be adjusted, for example, in order to compensate for signal path delays during high-frequency operation.

The output of the comparator 158 is logic signal I_(LIMIT). I_(LIMIT) is a first logic level when the level of current received by the comparator 158 from R_(VIN) is between the levels of I₁ and I₂ and, otherwise, I_(LIMIT) is a second logic level. The signal I_(LIMIT) is used to control the timing of turning on the high side switch SW₂. More particularly, the R_(VIN) current level must be between the levels of I₁ and I₂ in order for the high side switch SW₂ to be turned on during a switching cycle (and the signal READYHIGHON must be activated). The comparator 158 is therefore a window comparator whose output indicates whether or not the R_(VIN) current signal is between the levels of I₁ and I₂. The comparator 158 determines that

is greater than V_(IN) by an appropriate margin and, in response to this determination, the high side driver 154 turns on the high side switch SW₂. Thus, the window of comparison implemented by comparator 158 determines the timing for turning on SW₂ (shown at time t₂ in FIGS. 3 and 4 ). Providing a window for comparison helps to counter effects of noise associated with high rates of signal change and accommodates parasitic capacitance of the R_(VIN) resistor R_(VH2) (FIG. 2 ) and avoids changing the logic level of ILIMIT at the moments when V_(IN) and

are crossing each other (when one is rising and the other is falling and vice-versa).

The output of the comparator 158 is inverted by an inverter 164 to form a logic signal I_(LIMIT)-bar. The signal I_(LIMIT)-bar is coupled to an input of a NAND gate 166, to an inverted set input S-bar of a flip-flop FF₁, to an input of a NAND gate 168 and to an inverted set input S-bar of a flip-flop FF₂. The signal I_(LIMIT) is coupled to an inverted set input S-bar to a flip-flop FF₃. An output Q of the flip-flip FF₃ is coupled to an input of a one-shot circuit 170. An inverted output of the one-shot circuit 170 is coupled to an inverted reset input R-bar to the flip-flip FF₂. An inverted output Q-bar of the flip-flop FF₂ is coupled to an input of the NAND gate 166.

The signal READYHIGHON is coupled to an input of the NAND gate 166, to a first inverted reset input R₁-bar to the flip-flop FF₁, to an input of a delay 172 and to an input of the NAND gate 168. An inverted under-voltage lockout signal U_(VLO)-bar is coupled to a first inverted reset input R₁-bar to the flip-flop FF₃ and to second inverted reset input R_(s)-bar to the flip-flop FF₁. An output Q of the flip-flop FF₁ is coupled to an input of the NAND gate 168. An output of the delay 168 is coupled to an input of the NAND gate 168.

An output of the NAND gate 166 is coupled to a first inverted set input S₁-bar of a flip-flop FF₄. An output of the NAND gate 168 is coupled to a second inverted set input S₂-bar of the flip-flop FF₄. An output Q of the flip-flop FF₄ is coupled to an input of an AND gate 174. An inverted output of the gate 174 is coupled to a second inverted reset input to the flip-flop FF₃. A non-inverted output of the gate 174 forms the signal HIGHOUT. The generated signal HIGHOUT is used to control the switch SW₂.

The signal R_(VIN) is also compared by a comparator 176 to a current I₃. The current I₃ is generated by an adjustable current source 178. The current source 178 is coupled to

as a reference voltage. The current I₃ is adjusted based on the level of V_(IN). The output of the comparator 176 is coupled to a first input of a NAND gate 180. The signal HIGHOUT is coupled to a second input to the NAND gate 180. An output of the NAND gate 180 is coupled to a first input of a NAND gate 182. The inverted under-voltage lockout signal U_(VLO)-bar is coupled to a second input of the NAND gate 182. An output of the NAND gate 182 is coupled to an inverted reset input R-bar to the flip-flop FF₄ and to a first input to a sample circuit 184.

The signal R_(VIN) is coupled to a second input of the sample circuit 184. The NAND gate 182 generates a signal High Side Off, which is used by the sample circuit 184 for sampling V_(IN). More particularly, each time that the high side switch SW₂ is turned off (i.e. opened), the sample circuit preferably waits a delay period of approximately 250 to 300 nanoseconds and then samples the level of V_(IN). Therefore, the samples are taken at approximately when

is equal to zero volts. Successive samples of V_(IN) can be averaged to ensure that the monitored level of V_(IN) does not change rapidly. The sample circuit 184 generates a signal ˜V_(IN) (steady-state) which is representative of the level of V_(IN). This signal is used for generating the current I₃ which is also representative of the level of V_(IN).

Elements of FIG. 6 detect occurrence of the “first hill” for performing quasi-resonant switching as shown in FIG. 3 . The signal READYHIGHON informs the high driver controller 154 that it can (i.e. has permission to) turn on the switch SW₂. The high driver controller 154 then determines the timing of turning on the switch SW₂: when

is greater than V_(IN) (as indicated by the signal I_(LIMIT)) the high driver controller 154 turns on the switch SW₂.

The flip-flop FF₁ and the delay block 172 are used to delay turning on the switch SW₂ so as to avoid turning on the switch prematurely. The U_(VLO) signal inhibits switching in case of an under-voltage condition.

The switch SW₂ stays on until the switch SW₂ is turned off based on comparison performed by comparator 176. More particularly, the switch SW₂ is turned off (opened) when V_(IN) is substantially equal to

as offset by an amount indicated by the level of ˜V_(IN) (steady-state). The comparator 176 preferably performs its comparison with hysteresis so as to avoid multiple changes in the level of its output at crossings of the input signal levels of the comparator 176.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the voltage supply V_(BOOT) may be coupled to a third input to the sample circuit 184. This can be used for determining whether the power converter 150 is under light or heavy loading conditions. For example, V_(BOOT) may be regulated to approximately 15 volts DC. When V_(BOOT) rises above a threshold level of 15 volts, this indicates light loading. Conversely, when V_(BOOT) falls below the threshold level of 15 volts, this indicates that the loading is no longer light. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, when the converter 150 is under light loading conditions, the function of turning off the switch SW₂ based on the level of V_(IN) can be disabled. More particularly, when the level of V_(BOOT) is above the threshold, the adjustment to the current I₃ based on the level of ˜V_(IN) (steady-state) can be made equal to zero. When this occurs, the comparator 176 can compare the level of V_(IN) (as represented by R_(VIN)) to the level of

in order to determine when to open the switch SW₂. Under these conditions, the switch SW₂ can be opened under ZVS. Additionally, when the level of V_(IN) is at a maximum threshold (e.g. 380 volts DC), the adjustment to the current I₃ based on the level of ˜V_(IN) (steady-state) can also be equal to zero. However, when the level of V_(BOOT) is above the threshold (and the level of V_(IN) is below its maximum threshold), the level of the current I₃ can be representative of the level of V_(IN) so that the switch SW₂ is opened based in part on the monitored level of V_(IN) (i.e. ˜V_(IN) (steady-state)).

FIG. 7 illustrates control circuitry of the low driver 152 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8 , the low driver 152 includes a current control section 186, a frequency control section 188, a timer section 190, switching logic 192 and a switch driver 194.

Within the current control section 186 of the low driver 152, the signal V_(EAO) is coupled to a first input to a comparator 196. A second input to the comparator 196 receives a first reference voltage (e.g. 2.5 volts) while a third input to the comparator 196 receives a second reference voltage (e.g. 2.0 volts). The comparator 196 generates a signal “V_(EAO)>2.5 v−bar” by comparing the signal V_(EAO) to the first and second reference voltages; the signal “V_(EAO)>2.5 v−bar” is activated when V_(EAO) rises above the first reference and is deactivated when the signal V_(EAO) falls below the second reference. Thus, the comparator 196 performs its comparison with hysteresis. The comparator 196 determines whether low driver controller 154 performs switching based on peak current control or based on frequency control. When VEAO rises above 2.5 volts, switching is by peak current control; when V_(EAO) falls below 2.0 volts, switching is by frequency control. Thus, the logic level of “V_(EAO)>2.5 v−bar” determines whether the switching is based on peak current control or frequency control.

The signal I_(SENSE) is coupled an input to a first amplifier 198 and to an input to a second amplifier 200. The amplifier 1982 can have, for example, a gain of 15, while the amplifier 200 can have a gain of, for example 7.5. The output of the amplifier 198 is coupled to a first input to a comparator 202 via a switch S₁. The output of the amplifier 200 is coupled to the first input of the comparator via a switch S₂. The signal V_(EAO) is coupled to a second input to the comparator CMP4. The signal “VEAO>2.5 v−bar” is coupled to control the switch S₂ and to control the switch S₁ via an inverter 204. Thus, one of the switches S₁ are S₂ is closed while the other is opened dependent upon the signal “V_(EAO)>2.5 v−bar”. Accordingly, the outputs of the amplifiers 198 and 200 are selectively coupled to the first input of a comparator 202 dependent upon the level of V_(EAO). An output of the comparator 202 is coupled to an input to switching logic 192.

Under current control, the amplifier 198 having higher gain is active so as to magnify the effect of I_(SENSE) in comparison to VEAO by comparator 202. Under frequency control, the amplifier 200 is active which employs lower gain so as to reduce the effect of I_(SENSE) in the comparison which causes the frequency control section 188 to primarily control switching.

Within the frequency control section 188 of the low driver 152, the signal I_(SENSE) is coupled to an input to an amplifier 206. The amplifier 206 can have, for example, a gain of 7.5. An output of the amplifier 206 is coupled to a first input to a comparator 208. A second input to the comparator is coupled to a reference voltage, which can be, for example, approximately 2.5 volts. An output of the comparator 208 is coupled to an input to switching logic 178.

The current control section 186 and the frequency control section 188 control the timing of turning off the low side switch SW₁ within each switching cycle via switching logic 192.

The timer section 190 of the low driver 152 controls switching frequency as well as the timing for turning on the low side switch SW₁ for each switching cycle. Within the timer section 190, the signal V_(EAO) is coupled to a first input to an oscillator 210. The signal “V_(EAO)>2.5 v−bar” from the comparator 196 is coupled to a second input of the oscillator 210. The oscillator 210 generates a periodic ramp signal that is coupled to an input of timer block 212.

The timer block 212 generates a logic signal HON and a logic signal ONSET which are coupled to the switching logic 192. The signal HON is used to generate the signal READYHIGHON for the high driver controller 154. For peak current control, the signal HON is generated at fixed intervals. The signal ONSET is used to turn on the low side switch SW₁. For example, a timer of 3.33 microseconds can be reset for each switching cycle; 500 nanoseconds prior to expiration of the timer, the signal HON is activated. And, upon expiration of the timer, and once ZCD is greater than zero, then the signal ONSET can be activated. Once ONSET is activated, then the low side switch SW₁ can be closed upon a valley in signal ZCD (since ZCD represents

) so as to operate the switch SW₁ under zero volt switching (ZVS) conditions. The 500 nanosecond difference ensures that HON is activated prior to ONSET.

The signal ZCD is referenced to the same ground level as the low side driver controller 152. The signal ZCD is also representative of the level of

. Thus, signal ZCD is used by the low side driver controller 152 as a proxy for

in order to operate the switch SW₁ under ZVS conditions.

For current control, rather than a fixed timer interval of 3.33 microseconds, for example, the timer interval is varied dependent upon the level of V_(EAO). Thus, the timer interval affects the switching frequency for regulating the output voltage in a feedback loop.

The timer interval of 3.33 microseconds corresponds to a switching frequency for peak current control of 300 kHz. In an embodiment, the switching frequency f_(clamp) can be clamped at 500 kHz, 300 kHz, 145 kHz, or some other selected frequency by appropriate selection of timing components.

An output of the switching logic 192 is coupled to a driver 194. The driver 194 generates the signal LOWOUT.

During a switching cycle of the switches SW₁ and SW₂, the level of

rises above the level of V_(IN) immediately upon opening of the low side switch SW₁. Under light load conditions, energy stored in the primary side of the transformer T₁ is not as effectively transferred to its secondary side. The energy stored in the snubber capacitor C_(SN) can therefore increase with each switching cycle so that it becomes overcharged with energy and so that the level of

can ring to an excessively high level upon opening of the low side switch SW₁. These effects of a light load condition can be mitigated by turning on the high side switch SW₂ earlier in the switching cycle. Thus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the high side switch SW₂ is turned on earlier in the switching cycle under certain light load conditions than it would otherwise be turned on. Similarly, when the input supply voltage V_(IN) is at a high level, this can also result in overcharging the snubber capacitor C_(SN). This can also be mitigated by turning on the high side switch SW₂ earlier in the switching cycle. Using frequency control to control switching when the input voltage V_(IN) is at a high level, rather than current control, can also help to mitigate these issues. Thus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, frequency control is used under certain high input voltage conditions.

In an embodiment, a comparator 214 is included in the current control section 186 of FIG. 7 which compares the level of the signal R_(VIN) (which is representative of the voltage V_(IN)) to a reference. As shown in FIG. 7 , the signal R_(VIN) can be stepped down by a voltage divider that includes resistors R₁₁ and R₁₂. The stepped down voltage is compared to a reference voltage V_(REF2). When this comparison indicates that the level of V_(IN) is greater than a threshold (e.g., 226 volts DC), then the output of the comparator 214 disables the comparator 196. As a result, the switch S₁ is open and the switch S₂ is closed so that the amplifier 200 is active. This causes the frequency control section 188 of the flyback converter control circuitry to primarily control switching, rather than the current control section 186. Thus, the controller of the flyback converter operates in the frequency control mode upon detection of a supply voltage condition (e.g. when V_(IN) is greater than the threshold of 226 volts DC).

FIG. 8 illustrates a differential signal converter 300 for use in control circuitry for a flyback converter in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The differential signal converter 300 converts the single-ended signal HON to a differential logic signal READYHIGHON. The logic signal HON is coupled to an input of a first inverter 302. An output of the first inverter 302 is coupled to an input to a second inverter 304 and to control a MOSFET M₅. An output of the second inverter 304 is coupled to control a MOSFET M₆. A MOSFET M₇ and a current source 306 are coupled in series with the MOSFET M₅. A MOSFET M₈ and a current source 308 are coupled in series with the MOSFET M₆. A current source 310 is coupled in series with MOSFET M₉ and MOSFET M₁₀. A reference current passes through the MOSFETS M₉ and M₁₀. The signal HON activates one of the MOSFETS M₅ or M₇ dependent upon the level of HON. The reference current is mirrored in the MOSFET M₈ or in the MOSFET M₇ dependent upon which of the MOSFETS M₅ or M₇ is active. The state of the differential signal READYHIGHON is dependent upon which of the MOSFETS M₅ or M₇ is active. Thus, the converter 300 converts the logic signal HON to the differential logic signal READYHIGHON.

The foregoing detailed description of the present invention is provided for the purposes of illustration and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the embodiments disclosed. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A controller configured to control a power converter, the power converter having a transformer, a low side switch for drawing current from a supply voltage through a primary winding of the transformer and a high side switch for coupling the primary winding of the transformer to a snubber capacitor, wherein the controller is configured to generate drive signals to control the opening and closing of the low side switch and the high side switch to form a regulated output voltage, and wherein the controller is configured to open the high side switch during each of a series of switching cycles when a first voltage generated at a node between the low side switch and the high side switch reaches a determined level, the determined level being higher than the supply voltage by an amount that is adjusted dependent on a monitored level of the supply voltage.
 2. The controller according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control a flyback converter that performs DC-to-DC power conversion.
 3. The controller according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the power converter so that output voltage is formed from a current induced in a secondary winding of the transformer and wherein the output voltage is regulated in a feedback loop.
 4. The controller according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the determined level only when the power converter is not under a light load condition.
 5. The controller according to claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to detect the light load condition by detecting the output voltage rising above a threshold.
 6. The controller according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to hold open the high side switch during each switching cycle while the low side switch is closed and then opened and wherein the controller is configured hold open the low side switch while the high side switch is closed and then opened.
 7. The controller according to claim 1, wherein the high side switch is closed in accordance with zero volt switching.
 8. The controller according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to the close the high side switch during each of the series of switching cycles based on a window comparison.
 9. The controller according to claim 8, wherein the window comparison compares the first voltage generated at the node between the low side switch and the high side switch to the supply voltage.
 10. A switching power supply comprising: a power converter having a transformer, a low side switch configured to draw current from a supply voltage through a primary winding of the transformer and a high side switch configured to couple the primary winding of the transformer to a snubber capacitor; and a controller configured to synchronously control the opening and closing of the low side switch and the high side switch, wherein the low side switch and the high side switch are each repeatedly opened and closed in a series of switching cycles so as to form a regulated output voltage, wherein a first voltage is generated at a node between the low side switch and the high side switch, and wherein the controller is further configured to open the high side switch during each switching cycle when the first voltage falls to a determined level and wherein the determined level is higher than the supply voltage by an amount that is adjusted dependent on a monitored level of the supply voltage.
 11. The switching power supply according to claim 10, wherein the power converter is a flyback converter configured to perform DC-to-DC power conversion.
 12. The switching power supply according to claim 10, wherein the output voltage is formed from a current induced in a secondary winding of the transformer and wherein the output voltage is regulated in a feedback loop.
 13. The switching power supply according to claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the determined level only when the power converter is not under a light load condition.
 14. The switching power supply according to claim 13, wherein the light load condition is detected by the output voltage rising above a threshold.
 15. The switching power supply according to claim 10, wherein during each switching cycle, the high side switch is held open while the low side switch is closed and then opened and wherein the low side switch is held open while the high side switch is closed and then opened.
 16. The switching power supply according to claim 10, wherein the high side switch is closed in accordance with zero volt switching.
 17. A controller configured to control a power converter, the power converter having a transformer, a low side switch for drawing current from a supply voltage through a primary winding of the transformer and a high side switch for coupling the primary winding of the transformer to a snubber capacitor, wherein the controller is configured to generate drive signals to control the opening and closing of the low side switch and the high side switch to form a regulated output voltage, and wherein the controller is configured to operate in a first mode in which the high side switch is opened during each switching cycle when a first voltage generated at a node between the low side switch and the high side switch falls to a level of the supply voltage and wherein the controller is configured to operate in a second mode in which the high side switch is opened during each switching cycle when the first voltage falls to a determined level, the determined level being higher than the supply voltage by an amount that is adjusted dependent on a monitored level of the supply voltage.
 18. The controller according to claim 17, wherein the controller is configured to control a flyback converter that performs DC-to-DC power conversion.
 19. The controller according to claim 17, wherein the controller is configured to control the power converter so that output voltage is formed from a current induced in a secondary winding of the transformer and wherein the output voltage is regulated in a feedback loop.
 20. The controller according to claim 17, wherein the controller is configured to operate in the first mode when the power converter is under a light load condition and otherwise the controller is configured to operate in the second mode.
 21. The controller according to claim 20, wherein the controller is configured to detect the light load condition by detecting the output voltage rising above a threshold.
 22. The controller according to claim 17, wherein the controller is configured to hold open the high side switch during each switching cycle while the low side switch is closed and then opened and wherein the controller is configured hold open the low side switch while the high side switch is closed and then opened.
 23. The controller according to claim 17, wherein the high side switch is closed in accordance with zero volt switching.
 24. A switching power supply comprising: a power converter having a transformer, a low side switch configured to draw current from a supply voltage through a primary winding of the transformer and a high side switch configured to couple the primary winding of the transformer to a snubber capacitor; and a controller configured to synchronously control the opening and closing of the low side switch and the high side switch, wherein the low side switch and the high side switch are each repeatedly opened and closed in a series of switching cycles so as to form a regulated output voltage, wherein a first voltage is generated at a node between the low side switch and the high side switch, and wherein the controller is further configured to operate in a first mode in which the high side switch is opened during each switching cycle when the first voltage falls to a level of the supply voltage and wherein the controller is configured to operate in a second mode in which the high side switch is opened during each switching cycle when the first voltage falls to a determined level and wherein the determined level is higher than the supply voltage by an amount that is adjusted dependent on a monitored level of the supply voltage.
 25. The switching power supply according to claim 24, wherein the power converter is a flyback converter configured to perform DC-to-DC power conversion.
 26. The switching power supply according to claim 24, wherein the output voltage is formed from a current induced in a secondary winding of the transformer and wherein the output voltage is regulated in a feedback loop.
 27. The switching power supply according to claim 24, wherein the controller is configured to operate in the first mode when the power converter is under a light load condition and otherwise the controller is configured to operate in the second mode.
 28. The switching power supply according to claim 27, wherein the light load condition is detected by the output voltage rising above a threshold.
 29. The switching power supply according to claim 24, wherein during each switching cycle, the high side switch is held open while the low side switch is closed and then opened and wherein the low side switch is held open while the high side switch is closed and then opened.
 30. The switching power supply according to claim 24, wherein the high side switch is closed in accordance with zero volt switching. 